Esteemed Zerelde Geirdriful,

My apologies on the lateness of this reply to your posting of a requirement for an engineer. I have been busy of late attempting to aquire large quantities of Copper for a small project I am working on, and it has proven to be a nightmare of logistical perfidy.

Finances are as well a matter of import to me at this juncture, and to that end, I have decided to take up the odd contract here and there.

If you could, please forward to me your requirements for the device that you would like built, and I will create a proposal, as well as a basic set of plans, and an approximate cost, and forward them to you for review.

Counting the ticks until your reply,

Cog Ippensher, Gondsman and Inventor

Gondsman Ippensher,

Some guidelines to consider when developing a weapon under the proposal:

Portability - Ensure the device can be placed where it is needed - One or two soldiers ought to be able to transport/deploy it. - One or two soldiers to operate it.

Efficiency - Damage multiple targets AND/OR - High rate of attack

Deadly - This is a struggle for our survival after all.

Feasibility - Reasonable cost - Maintainable/repairable

Your interest is appreciated and I anxiously await your proposal.

Zerelde Geirdriful

Miss Geirdriful,

May I present to you: The Manticore.

Composed largely of Oiled Wood or the like, Sinew from a large beast, and native metals, the Manticore is capable of releasing up to 12 "Flechooters" at a single time into a mob of attackers. As with any missle weapon, the types of ammunition may be tailored to the individual circumstances, as well as the environs.

Weighing approximately 180 pounds, the device will fold up into a more compact form at the joints, allowing easy transport by two men. The estimated cost is 500 coins each at first, with prices reduced as fabrication is perfected and materials are obtained. Approximate time to build a single unit is 40 man-hours.

I am available at your convenience to discuss the particulars of the design, as well as to accept orders. Note that at the current time, supplies are short. I anticipate that this is a short term problem which will be shortly rectified.

Anxiously counting the ticks to your reply.

Cog Ippensher Gondsman and Inventor.

Gondsman Ippensher,

I would like you to proceed with production of the first Manticore. I would also like to meet you in person in the near future; the issue of funding/payment can be dealt with at that time. I can be found at the Tigereye Fortress in Lower Sanctuary.

Zerelde Geirdriful